Starling Bank vs bunq
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Starling Bank | bunq |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Best for | Free UK personal and business banking | Digital nomads needing EU banking + multi-currency |
| Monthly fee | Free personal account | ~€3–€18/mo (Core/Pro/Elite) |
| Exchange rate | Mastercard rate, no markup | ~0.5–1.5% by plan/currency |
| Send / receive | Free UK transfers | Free SEPA on paid plans |
| Withdrawals | Free in the UK and abroad | Limited free ATM on higher plans |
| Card | Yes — debit Mastercard | Yes — physical & virtual Mastercard |
| Availability | United Kingdom | 30+ EEA countries (+ UK via e-money) |
| Currencies | GBP (EUR/USD business accounts) | ~20+ currencies |
| Regulation | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) | De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) full EU banking licence |
| Founded | 2014 | 2012 |
Starling Bank
Starling Bank is a fully licensed UK app bank with FSCS-protected deposits, no fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals, interest on balances and highly regarded free business accounts. It is one of the strongest all-round UK options, especially for freelancers and small businesses, though it is UK-only and GBP-focused.
Pros
- Full UK bank, FSCS-protected deposits
- No fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals
- Excellent free business accounts
Cons
- UK-only
- GBP-focused for personal accounts
- Fewer lifestyle perks than some rivals
bunq
bunq is an Amsterdam-based challenger bank with a full Dutch banking licence and €100,000 deposit protection, popular with digital nomads for its multi-currency support, sub-accounts and savings interest. Unlike some rivals it is subscription-based with no fully free everyday plan. A strong choice for EU residents wanting flexible, feature-rich banking.
Pros
- Full Dutch banking licence, €100k protection
- Multi-currency holding with fair FX
- Multiple sub-accounts & budgeting tools
Cons
- No fully free everyday plan (subscription)
- FX markup higher on lower tiers
- Mainly EEA-focused availability
The bottom line
Overall, Starling Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 4.0 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.